Roger Goodell, July 21, 2009. AP/M. Altaffer
In addition to being conditionally reinstated to the NFL with the potential of a full reinstatement no later than week 6 of the regular season, Michael Vick got a personal mentor, babysitter, spokesman and more.
Commissioner Roger Goodell pointed out that there are two roads that lead to that full reinstatement. One is how he physically performs on the practice field and the other is how he conducts himself when he's out of uniform. See video posted below.
Tony Dungy has taken on a large role in Michael Vick's post-prison life. The Commissioner said that Dungy, who visited Vick in prison, will assist Vick to cope with all the forces coming at him as he re-enters the limelight. It sounds like the role of a life coach.
Dungy will help Vick deal with a multitude of situations that might overwhelm him. He'll be returning to a clubhouse in the league but not as a team leader. He will have to behave in a different way in relation to teammates, coaches, the press and of course the general public.
When Vick was in prison he was told how to act from sun up to sundown. While in home-confinement he had a very limited connection to a world outside his family and workplace. That cocoon has disappeared and it's clear that Goodell is acting in a pater-familias role which frankly is above and beyond what is expected from an employer. In doing so he has proffered the services of Dungy who can and will give credibility to Vick as clubs inquire about putting him on the payroll.
Remember when Jerry Jones was trying to keep Adam "Pacman" Jones out of trouble while he was on the Cowboys roster? Jones had a 24 hour security team monitoring the defensive back's every move. The problem was that he couldn't keep Jones from getting into a physical altercation with the guys trying to keep him out of trouble.
That's not Dungy's job in this endeavor. He will act as confidante, mentor and in some ways insulate Michael Vick from the full brunt of what might be thunder and fury of critics who believe he shouldn't play in the NFL again. Add that to Dungy's ability to keep the public apprised of Vick's progress in what I expect will be innumerable radio and television interviews from this day forward and you've got one heck of a public relations adviser as well.
It smacks of the NFL becoming Vick's partner that now has a vested interest in whether he succeeds in his come-back. You can call that a charitable act and perhaps it is but I'm not sure Dungy is ready for ill will that could come his way as a result of it.
For more info: Vick still has another house and boats despite bankruptcy
Comments
Add me to the list of those who do not think he should be reinstated to the NFL ....
Being from IN, I have always had a lot of respect for Tony Dungee. I now have zero respect for him after finding out that he is promoting Vick. Vick should never be able to play pro football again. Shame on you Tony Dungee and shame on the NFL also.
Amigos make that tres votar en contra de for Vicks return to the NFL. Like you Kelly I've lost respect for Dungy, I mistakenly assumed he was a class act. Buenos Dias and Sayonara.
I just posted another piece on the Dungy connection. I think the league is hiding behind Dungy's reputation to avoid criticism. After all, if Tony Dungy said Vick is OK, well he must be, right? Not necessarily
It astounds me with the level of igorance and unforgiving hearts some people can have and yet they try to sit in church on sunday after having sat in judgement of someone or something that doesn't even concern them. Mr. Vick served his time so how stupid do you sound Mechele from Georgia and Kelly not to allow a man, or anyone for that matter, not to have their job/career back on track. Your mentality feeds into the sad notion that once you do time in jail or prison that your life is over. That time is meant to be punishment for reflection and remorse of a crime. He did that now let the man move on much like you would want to move on if you made a mistake in YOUR life. Grow up and and get over it already!!!!
Looks like somebody didn't take their medication? Cuckoo-Cuckoo
Thank you, Terence from Baton Rouge, for your comment. I was one of Vick's biggest critics for what he had done. He was stupid for engaging in that type of activity. It was obvious he needed something better to do with his free time. Having said all that, he has completed the punishment meted out by the justice system. So now he should be able to resume his life. I am sure none of you who are against Vick ever did anything to anyone where you asked for a second chance and forgiveness! I applaud Dungy (notice the correct spelling of his name!) for assisting Vick in his re-entry into the NFL. He is truly living by spiritual principles....it's too bad none of you haters have learned the same.
Folks: thanks for the comments and keeping it from getting ugly. All points of view are welcome.
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